CAHIR NOTES 7TH JULY 10 CAHIR GO LÉIR FESTIVAL It is finally upon us Folks, the new Cahir go Léir Festival starts this Friday 9th July and will continue through to Sunday 11th July. A stage will be put up in the Square on Friday and for 3 nights there will be live, free entertainment for all to enjoy. There will also be 2 field days to visit, one in Cahir Park AFC grounds on Saturday 10th July and one in the Inch Field on Sunday 11th July. There is also the Parade, sponsored by The Heritage & Lazy Bean Cafe, The Crazy Boat Race, sponsored by Dolan’s Supervalu, the Queens Competition, sponsored by Cahir House Hotel and lastly if you want to have a stall in the Inch Field, don’t forget to register to take part, in any of these events, entry forms are available in Enterprise Centre. Please have all entries in by Friday 9th at 12 noon so we can determine the order of Parade and Boat Race.  The Tri3 Series Triathlon takes place in conjunction with the festival on Saturday morning of 10th July with a start time of 11am. Volunteers are needed for this event (see below). Road closures will be in place from the top of Castle Street, including the Castle Car Park which is the Transition Area and where the competitors will park their bikes, the Bridge up to SuperValu and then up Abbey Street to the Tipperary Road Roundabout to keep competitors safe. They will be closed for the duration of the race which is about 2.5 hours in total. All other roads will remain open, although parking will also be slightly restricted for a couple of hours in the areas mentioned too. So have patience, all will be back to normal in a couple of hours. Our Festival will be opened on Friday 9th July by Mick Martin and just in case you don’t recall the name let me refresh your memories. Mick Martin came to prominence at Dalymount Park where he was an extremely resourceful and effective midfield player in the League of Ireland with Bohemians. Son of the famous international player Con Martin, he excelled as an underage footballer with Home Farm. Born on July 9th, 1951, (which means he is opening the festival on his birthday, so be ready to sing Happy Birthday to him!) he was just 21 when he made his debut for Manchester United against Everton at Old Trafford on January 24, 1973. Mick was signed for United by Tommy Docherty for £25,000 and he was a versatile performer there over three seasons for he showed he was equally effective in defence and in midfield. He enjoyed a long career in England for he was signed by John Giles for West Brom in the 1975/’76 season and moved on to Newcastle United for five seasons from 1978. He subsequently played for Vancouver Whitecaps, Cardiff City, Preston North End, Peterborough United and Rotherham United. Mick first played for Ireland on October 10, 1971 against Austria and he won the last of his 52 international caps on April 27, 1983, against Spain. He scored four goals for Ireland and was a consistently effective member of the team whether asked to play in defence or midfield. He turned to broadcasting when his football career was over and contributes to the football coverage on a radio station in the Newcastle area, and on Today FM. Mick’s father, Con Martin Senior, played 30 times for Ireland between 1946 and 1956 and scored six goals, and is in the FAI’s Hall of Fame. So, get ready to give him a warm welcome. There really is so much going on over the festival weekend it is hard to know where to start. So, here is a complete programme that you can have a look at. Friday 9th July  2 - 4.30pm- Tipp FM’s Premier Afternoons Show with Norman Morrissey will be broadcasting live from The Square in Cahir to kick off the weekend’s entertainment. 6pm- The official opening of the Festival will take place in the square by Mick Martin, ex Ireland/United International Football player. 6.30pm- The Barman’s Race, starting at Castle Street Crossing and finishing in front of the stage in the Square, also a Pub Team Relay will take place, organised by Caroline Conran of the Punters Rest. 7pm- Introduction to The Cahir House Hotel Queens, we will meet the entrants to the competition on stage. 7.30pm -Irish Dancing & Music from The Tipperary Youth Ensemble. This is an amalgamation of traditional Irish music, song and dance. 8.30pm -LIVE ON THE SQUARE sponsored by Cahir Pubs, Johnny B and the Boogie Men. Saturday 10th July 8.30am- Registration for Triathlon 9am- A Special Farmers Market in the Square (Finishing at 3pm) Local fresh produce directly from the farm, with a special performance by Cahir Choral Society. 11am- TRI3 Series Triathlon starts 2.30pm- TRI3 Series Triathlon Prize Giving on stage in the Square 2-6pm- Cahir Park AFC Fun Day in Soccer Field – Cahir Park are staging a fun day for all the family, there will be a Penalty Shoot out for all ages, a Bonnie Baby Competition, Steady Hand competition, Bouncy Castles, Street Football, Lucky dip, Pony Rides Teddy Bear’s Picnic, Children’s Races, Guess Who Photo, Wet Sponge throwing, Bowling and refreshment stalls. So come along and have a great day out with sporting fun for all the family. 3pm- Guided tour by Dr. David Butler starting at Cahir Tourist Office. David will take you on a tour of this beautiful Heritage town and all it sights. It takes about an hour. 6pm Interviewing of Cahir House Hotel Queens. We will have a chat with all the lovely ladies. 7pm DJ on the stage 8.30pm LIVE ON THE SQUARE, sponsored by Cahir Pubs, The Kopy Kat Killers Tribute Band. Sunday 11th July  2pm- The Parade, sponsored by The Heritage & Lazy Bean Cafe - starts in Woodview and continues on to the Square. 4pm- Dolan’s Supervalu sponsored Crazy Boat Race on the River Suir, starting from slipway by Community Hall and finishing at slipway in the Inch Field with €1000 in prizes. 2.30pm-The Dog show, sponsored by Darren Ward Jewellers, in Inch Field. Entries from 1pm and Judging from 2.30pm. Funday Sunday in the Inch Field 2-6pm Bouncy Castle, Childrens Entertainment and Games, Stalls, and Barbeque, Sponsored Tom O'Donnell and Tom Hallinan Butchers. Fun for all and entry to event is free. 3pm Cahir House Hotel Festival Queen is crowned on the stage. 3pm- Guided tour by Dr. David Butler starting at Cahir Tourist Office. 6pm- Irish Dancing & Music from The Tipperary Youth Ensemble. 7.30pm -DJ on the stage 8.30pm- LIVE ON THE SQUARE, sponsored by Cahir Pubs, Knights of Leon Tribute Band. The Raffle is still taking place in Dolans SuperValu for a Top of the range Mountain Bike worth €400, kindly donated to the Festival by Abbey Service in Cahir. Tickets are €5 with the proceeds going towards Cahir go Léir Festival. Tickets can be purchased right up until Friday 9th July till 4pm at the check outs. Don’t forget there are prizes for best Adult and Child’s Fancy Dress in the Parade, as well as a prize for the Best Boat/Float in the Parade. There is also a Shop Window Competition with a plaque for the winner to display, so jazz up your windows! There is also a display in Cahir Library Window at the moment of the entries for The Drawing Competition to design the cover of the programme of events for the Festival. The winner was Ciara Grogan of 6th Class in Our Lady of Mercy Primary School in Cahir. Well done Ciara, your picture is on the cover of the programme and will be delivered to all the residents of Cahir this week. Of course it goes without saying that there will also be live entertainment all around the town that will take off once the music on the Square has finished. As well live music in most pubs, Cahir House Hotel will have an Ibiza Foam Party on Friday 9th to get you in the Festival mood and live music all weekend in the bar with Loose Cannons appearing in the Night Club on Saturday 10th .The Punters Rest will have Open Air Entertainment with Eddie & Ailbe on Sunday 11th .So there really is lots to look forward to. Enjoy! Brought to you by the Cahir go Léir Festival Committee: Chairman- Pierce Connell, Treasurer- Tim Shanahan, Secretary -Brian Dolan, Festival Director- Maria Taylor, Web Link- Darren Ward, Administration- Lara Costello and Stage Compére- Gerry Duffy. The Cahir go Léir Festival Committee acknowledges the support from South Tipperary Development Company, The Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs and the EU . 70+ once off Volunteers needed 10th July 9am to 2pm   July 10th sees the TRI 3 triathlon 2nd Stage come to Cahir. This first leg of the series was a roaring success in Galway on May 29th and the series will conclude in Kilrush on September 4th. Having been successful in securing the event for Cahir we are calling on the people of South Tipperary to assist the local organiser by volunteering their time on the morning and early afternoon of July 10th. The event consists of a 750m swim on the Suir, a 20km cycle along a return route from Cahir to New Inn and a 5km return run to the Swiss Cottage. To comply with safety legislation we are actively seeking 70+ volunteers for the event. So, if you would like to get involved and have 5 hours free time on your hands between 9am and 2pm on Saturday July 10th, please contact Derek from the South Tipperary Volunteer Centre on 086-7721067 or derek@volunteersouthtipp.ie. We have roles that are suitable for all including water distribution to the competitors, stewarding, assisting in registration and timing and general problem solvers on the day. All volunteers will receive a Thank You goodie bag, a meal voucher and the full support of the event organiser and local committee on the day of the event. If anyone has a specific placement request, this can be facilitated also. Lastly, anyone who would like to help with course set up and registration would be needed on Friday the 9th July from 6pm to 9pm and 8am to 10am on Saturday 10th July. Please help in any way you can. Strawberry Fayre at the Farmers Market Cahir Farmers Market is joining in the craic during the Cahir Go Léir Festival, and will operate in the Square this Saturday 10th July. The Market is also extended to 3pm for this occasion. Next week they will be in their usual spot in the Granary car park.  They are glad to be involved in the Festival, and are looking forward to meeting the visitors to the town, during the Tri3 Series Triathlon. There have been several special items organised for the Festival Market. Strawberries and cream will be available, new potatoes from Michael English of Cahir, live music will provided by Maurice, "Balloon Magic" for the children, Butter making with Jim and Sr. Eileen, and there will be some visiting local craft stalls. Erica and Simon Van Horn, a couple who publish their own very interesting books will be attending and also Hilary O'Connor from Fethard, with her range of quality fabrics and materials and of course, Maria Mulcahy on the Knockara Pate stall, also stocks locally crafted timber bowls and platters.     A recent comer to the Cahir Farmers Market is the Tastefully Yours stall,operated by Audrea Hassett and Norbert Thul who are artisan producers of gourmet chutney's, relishes, and pickles.  All their products are hand crafted, using natural ingredients. Be sure to give them a visit at the market on Saturday. Emma's Love 2 Eat stall will be providing hot food, likewise, Mericia FitzGerald from Ballylooby, will be cooking and selling her home made German type sausages.  Louise and Caroline O'Connor, from Cahir, will be serving delicious strawberries & cream, such great temptations for your taste buds.  Be sure to give them all a visit at the market on Saturday. COUNCIL AND TIDY TOWNS CLEAN UPS I have received many calls and comments on the work that has been carried out recently by Davey Ryan and the Council staff under the direction of Pat English from the Council. The clearing of ivy from the beautiful stone walls in the town has really made a difference and along with clearing the paved area outside the library and many other places too, the town will be looking well not only for Tidy Towns but also for the many visitors expected at this weekend’s Festival. Also many comments have been made of the major cleanups carried out by The Tidy Towns Group. The Castle Car park received a major clean up a couple of weeks ago and Market Yard was also repainted and cleared too. Both areas have been transformed. Well done to Tidy Towns Group and also to Davey Ryan and the Council lads for carrying out the very hard work to give the town a better appearance, keep up the good work lads! COMPETITION TIME IN TIDY TOWNS? The closing date for the Dolans Super Valu Tidy Town competition is Friday 23rd July. Once again this year, Dolans have agreed to sponsor the Local Tidy towns Comp which proved very popular last year. It is only fair to mention that the judges felt that there were premises and residents that could have received prizes last year but did not enter. If you feel that you were one of them you should collect your entry form from the council office and fill in the category that suit you best. Entry will remain at €5 again this year. The Ducks have nearly all been released onto the river and you are encouraged to come along and feed them some pieces of bread just below the timber bridge to the Inch Field. This has proved to be a very popular project with many of the community involved. The committee will continue to meet each Wednesday Night from 7-9pm and all are welcome. There will be an Open Air meeting this Wednesday night at the Railway Station at 8.30pm. There will be a Town blitz on Wednesday 14th July with a complete walkthrough all streets and approach roads starting at 7pm from the Car Park. Plenty help will be needed for this one as we expect plenty litter following the Triathlon. Details on any of the Tidy Towns events can be recieved from Chairman Andy Moloney on 086-3609110. RUBBISH SKIPS FOR ESTATES On the same note, Labour Cllr Seanie Lonergan has informed me that the South Tipperary Council will be placing Rubbish skips in the Council Estates in the month of September. This is a once off plan to keep the Council Estates tidy and to discourage illegal dumping. The Cllr has the highest praise for most Cahir People but feels that there is still a minority that flout the litter laws. Keep our town and estates tidy says the Cllr. Here, Here, Seanie. CAHIR GAA SUMMER CAMP The GAA Summer Camp will take place again this year at Duneske Sport & Leisure Complex from Monday 12th - Friday 16th July. The Camp will take place each day from 10am - 1pm for children ranging in ages from 6 - 16. The cost of the camp will be €35 for 1 child, €65 for 2 children and €85 for 3 or more children from the same family. Registration for the Camp will take place on the first morning of the camp (12th July) at 9.30am in Duneske. CAHIR COUNTRY MARKET This week at the market there will be fresh fruit on offer such as strawberries and raspberries, just right for that summer dessert. Also, plenty of other fresh vegetables and salad items are available as well as all your summer bedding plants and fresh flowers, with much to choose from on the arts and craft stalls too. Call in on Friday morning from 9am to 12 noon. CHURCH GATE COLLECTION There will be a Church gate Collection in aid of the Cahir go Léir Festival at all masses on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th July. Please support your Festival. THE CRAFT GRANARY The Craft Granary, Cahir, present an exhibition of paintings by Nellie O' Brien, Kathryn O' Brien & Vee Mason. The exhibition will display water colour, pen & wash , oil paintings, mixed media . The exhibition will run for the month of July at the Craft Granary.  For further details contact the craft granary on 052 7441473 or www.craftgranary.com CAHIR YOUTH CLUB  Cahir Youth Club continues every Wednesday night during the summer from 7 to 9pm. This is open to all boys and girls aged 9 to 13 years and takes place in the Youth Centre on Church Street (behind the old Tech). There are a variety of activities planned for the coming weeks. Admission is only €2, so please come along and join in the fun! For further information please contact Clive Smith on 085 7169740 or Sheena Buttimer on 087 8090583. THANK YOU Tracy Walsh would like to thank all those who sent cards, floral tributes and condolences, to her and her family in England on the recent loss of her beloved Dad Keith. A Special thank you to Sean, Eddie, Fiona, John, Linda, and Nancy for your help and especially Jean and Pauline for travelling to the funeral, it really meant a lot to us all, Thank you. SEISIÚN CEOLTA FEASA Our Summer Programme of music, song and dance (step sean nós and set dance) will run in the Clonmel Park Hotel, Clonmel Co. Tipperary on the following dates: Thursday July 15th in Ballroom, Friday July 23rd in Bar, Thursday July 29th in Ballroom, Thursday August 12thin Golden Vale Suite, Friday August 13th in Bar and Thursday August 19thin Golden Vale Suite. Two of our nights will be fundraisers for Associations namely: The Newcastle Community Alert and Tigh na nDaoine on July 15th and The Carers Association Clonmel and District on July 29th.  Tickets are €10 and children are free when accompanied, group concessions given. Contact Hotel at 0526188700 or Mary on 0860624217. sales@clonmelparkhotel.com, maryharty3@eircom.net. Bhí Linn, and let Seisiún Ceolta Feasa bring the true and timeless Ireland to you. CHESS AND SOCCER CAMP For the fourth year the chess and soccer camp will be held in New Inn. Chess school Polimac is the only registered chess school in Ireland. For:  Boys/Girls aged 6 to 13years. When:  Monday 12th July to Friday 16th July. Times: 10am to 4.30pm. Where:  New Inn Boys School. Cost:  €60 per child with a reduction for two or more children. Coach:  Grandmaster Darko Polimac. Enquiries; Una at 052-7462560 or 087-2330222. Beginners are especially welcome. READERS NEWS AND VIEWS  As you can see most of the notes this week are about the festival, which leaves little room for anything else, however those notes that were date relevant have been included and the rest will be in next week’s notes. Sorry for any inconvenience caused. Lastly, I would like to say that it has been 7 years since I was involved in a festival and this time I am doing it without the help of my Dad, Frank Caplice, who always shared the load. So, this one is for you, Dad. If you have any news or views for the Cahir Notes, please contact me either by email at caplicetaylor@hotmail.com or by phone on 086 1022014. By Sunday please as that is when I do the notes. The Cahir Notes are also available on cahirnews@cahirda.com by kind permission of South Tipp Today.